Sunday, July 06, 2008

So on July 4th we loaded up the ol' Taurus and headed down to St. Paul for the 26th annual Taste of Minnesota festival.

The last time we were there was in 2005, and then one other time several years before that. The reason we came back again this year was because we had a good time in 2005. There was a wide variety of foods to sample, the booths gave away tons of free stuff, Marty Balin was in excellent voice and the fireworks were phenomenal.

But this year was all different. The prices went up on everything, Brawny was giving away paper towel samples, and the whole atmosphere was flat. It was in fact so lame, that we didn't even stay to watch the Bay City Rollers or the awesome fireworks to follow. That's pretty lame.

Nonetheless, it was good to be out with the family and getting some sunshine. Here are some shots of the day:

Same old, same old

Ok, except for this... um, I don't think so

Cool shot of the Cathedral of St. Paul

My annoyed family. Wait a minute... what is that guy in the white shirt carrying? I don't remember anyone selling turds on a stick.

This dumb little tower-drop ride cost $5, and lasted for the whole 1 second it took to drop. Hmm, wonder why there's nobody on it?

Vomit machine

Rosie and I don't really work for Sun Country. This is just a wooden sign with holes cut out for our heads. Really.

43 comments:

I hate to say it, but I detest the Taste of Minnesota. I went once after living in Chicago long enough to have experienced the joy that is Taste of Chicago and was mightily disappointed (e.g., overflowing garbage cans EVERYwhere). I haven't been back since.

HOWEVER, I am coming back for the Fair this year. In fact, I'm insane enough to plan on driving BY MYSELF with the wee ones from Chicago to MSP with them to spend three or four days at the Fair. Please tell me it's everything I remember from my youth (including Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar)!

Sorry you were disappointed - I think this is way things are going because of the recession we're in, sadly. It's short-sighted to cut down on the free stuff, though, because it generates so much goodwill and that's the most effective type of advertising.

We have never been, but I've often seen the images on the Twin Cities' news and have thought about going in the future.

My problem is that the food is so darn overpriced. Plus, all of it can be found at the state fair NEXT month, again over priced, but it's the state fair! I mean, where else will I see a butter carving of the dairy princess?

Sounds a bit like the 4th of July parade we went to. It was nothing but tractors, classic cars, and politicians riding in tractors and politicians riding in classic cars. It was like political speed dating. Oh yeah, I think there was a dog too.

Never went to the Taste, but the State Fair is awesome. The first year we lived in Minnesota some of us girls went and we happened to be there on the afternoon that Gary Puckett was playing. Major crush, it was like I was fifteen again, and I got him to sign my shirt.

Plus, there is the fried everything on a stick, the butter sculptures, the huge hog, and the ice cold milk. Not to mention the miles of exhibits. It's ruined all other state fairs for me.

We have the Taste of Chicago here, and I would have to get a second mortgage on the house to afford taking my family, so we don't go. Plus the fact that there is literally a million people there and well, I get allergic to crowds of that size.

Years ago my brother in law asked one of his teachers to steer him to a good Mexican resturant. We have never been disappointed at the Boco Chita (sp) in the hispanic district of Saint Paul. I hope they are still around, and run by the same family. You must have been close by during your outing.

Lobster and frog legs...those really represent that taste of Minnesota???

I cracked up at the airline employee cutouts for photos. Who in their right mind would want to be associated with the airline industry these days? I'm surprised they didn't charge you to stick your head in there. Did you have to take your shoes off to use it?

drowsey - I did indeed. REO Speedwagon played the night before. I probably would have stayed for them for sure.

jd - That turd might look disgusting, but I heard they are deep fried and rolled in sugar.

carla - All fun things come with a price. Unfortunately, this was expensive and not all that fun.

mrs r. - He must have personal experience of it you weren't aware of.

ve - You probably didn't notice my comment earlier to Alice. What I told her was "How frog legs ever became a food for humans I'll never know. Maybe I'll ask VE to research that on his blog next." Let me know when you've got that figured out.

I uses to love T.o.M. Bummer. I would've gone for REO Speedwagon, but BCR not so much. I really miss Riverfest. My mom and I went to see Sting. For free. It rocked.We go to state fair every year if I have anything to say about it. The past couple years one of the kids has won a county fair talent contest and earned a slot at state. If not, I work at the Education MN booth and get free tix. It's all good.

I'm a big fan of outdoor festivals. You gotta be prepared for the high prices. I mean come on Jeff, when will you ever again be given the chance to pay $8 for lobster on a stick AND listen to the Bay City Rollers while you eat?Never, that's when!

gette - If there were records to prove it, you'd see that my band Livingston Fury actually opened for Loverboy at Riverfest in '86. On second thought, I might even have pictures of that day. Hey thanks for the idea!

jennine - Don't I know it!

julie - I've played your fair state in the winter many times, and I have to say it was very nice. I've also played there in the summer, and I have to say it was insanely hot.

damon - I suppose if you look at it like the band cost $8 and the lobster on a stick is free, then you're right... it IS a good deal!

kathy - My 3rd grade math skilz are enough to tell me these tickets are NOT a good deal. I don't have much faith on it getting better anytime soon. It seems like it's on a perpetual downhill slide.

holmes - Yes, I've heard the microscopic scrap you get for $8 IS delicious.

rick - Lutefisk would make sense for the taste of Minnesota, but I'm thinking it would need to be in a cup. Either that or very old and dry. I think that guy is praying he'll find the booth that sells the turds.

sarah - We call it pop here. Always have and always will. It states that in the membership package. Love your analysis though!

I decided to teach you a lesson about taking too long to check on your contest and I withheld the book from you. Either that or I misplaced it and only just found it the other day. Oh yeah, it was the 2nd thing ;-) Anyway, I mailed it on Thursday so you should get it any day now.